Meet the Team Behind the Results at Burton Kelley LLP
Since 2004, our team of dedicated attorneys has been providing innovative legal solutions and trusted counsel to clients across California. Our strength lies in our collaborative approach, depth of experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Legacy of Legal Excellence
Burton Kelley LLP is a California-based civil litigation firm known for its strategic approach, deep expertise, and history of successful outcomes. For nearly two decades, we have built lasting partnerships with our clients, offering tailored solutions and zealous representation when needed.
Partners
Michelle L. Burton, Esq.
Managing Partner
Rachael K. Kelley, Esq.
Chief Technology Partner
Devin T. Shoecraft, Esq.
Partner
Associates
Ivana Torres, Esq.
Supervising Associate
Ivana Torres, Supervising Associate, brings a communication-first approach to defending insurers in bad faith and liability claims, while advising on complex coverage and demand evaluations.
Samantha Yu, Esq.
Managing Associate
Samantha Yu, Managing Associate, specializes in civil litigation, including insurance bad faith, construction defects, and real estate disputes. She brings experience from public agencies and clerkships with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Michael Vachon, LL.M.
Senior Associate
Tyler Strycula, Esq.
Associate
Chris Mellon, Esq.
Associate
Chris Mellon, Associate, focuses on liability claims and bad faith defense. He brings over a decade of trial experience and motion practice as a litigator handling both criminal and civil matters.
Daniella Doern, Esq.
Associate
ddoern@burtonkelley.com
Daniella Doern joined Burton Kelley in 2025 as an associate attorney. Prior to joining Burton Kelley, Ms. Doern gained significant civil litigation experience, which she now applies in her practice defending clients in first-party bad faith claims.
Isabel Akahori, Esq.
Associate
Isabel Akahori joined Burton Kelley, LLP in 2025 as an Associate Attorney specializing in civil litigation and insurance law.
Naomi Kohen, Esq.
Associate
Naomi Kohen joined Burton Kelley, LLP in 2026 as an Associate Attorney. Before this, she clerked at the Superior Court in Los Angeles…
Of Counsel
Bob Shoecraft, Esq.
Of Counsel
Bob Shoecraft, Esq., Of Counsel, has 45 years of experience in handling complex insurance, commercial, and liability matters. He is AV Preeminent rated and has achieved numerous favorable jury trial outcomes.
STAFF
Ariana Rodriguez
Firm Administrator
Ariana Rodriguez, Firm Administrator, joined Burton Kelley, LLP in 2021. She manages administrative tasks, including invoices, recruitment, and attorney compliance. She holds a Business Management degree and is pursuing her MBA.
Viviana Ortega
Case Manager/Litigation Operations Manager
Viviana Ortega, Case Manager/Litigation Operations Manager, joined Burton Kelley, LLP in 2025. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science – Public Law, with double minors in Business and Spanish Literature, from the University of California, San Diego in June of 2024.
Adam Madrak
Paralegal
amadrak@burtonkelley.com
Adam Madrak, Paralegal at Burton Kelley since 2025, assists counsel in all stages of litigation, from intake to trial. He has experience in a range of matters including general torts, premises liability, public entity, and bad faith litigation.
Kirsten Hartman
Paralegal
khartman@burtonkelley.com
Kirsten Hartman joined Burton Kelley, LLP as a Paralegal in 2025. She earned her bachelor’s degree in American History with Departmental Honors from the University of California, San Diego in June of 2023.
Cameron Elliott
Paralegal
Christina Trexler
Paralegal
Kim Rugama
Accounting